This work reports the continued search for new antibiotics in the relatively under investigated region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A soil bacterium designated strain N8 with antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was isolated from a poultry farm in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The organism was one of approximately 2600 strains isolated from various habitats in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, South Africa during an actinomycete screening programme. The highest number of antimicrobially-active isolates came from a forest soil site whereas the lowest number was present in a riparian soil. Morphological, physiological and cultural characteristics indicated that strain N8 belonged in the genus Intrasporangium. In the literature, members of this actinomycete genus have not been associated previously with antibiotic production. Studies on the influence of different nutritional compounds on antibiotic production showed that the highest antibacterial activities were obtained when glycerol at 1% (w/v) was used as sole carbon source in the presence of mineral trace elements. Using solvent extraction and various chromatographic techniques, the antibiotic produced by strain N8 was recovered from the fermentation broth. The use of a three-solvent system, petroleum ether: acetone: ethyl acetate enhanced the separation of the antibiotic complex in broth. Bioassay results established that the antibacterial agent was in the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and chromatographic methods were used in its purification. The chromatographic methods used were: flash column chromatography (FCC), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and Harrison research chromatotron (HRC). Further purification was carried out by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Most of the inactive, coloured material was removed from the antibiotic extract by FCC, while TLC chromatograms run using a range of the most polar to the least polar solvent systems [SS1 (most polar) – SS5 (least polar)] showed best separation of EAF with SS2. TLC chromatograms using SS2 usually showed 3 bands. Bioautograms of SS2-separated EAF revealed that the antibiotic activity was located in the region with an Rf value of 0.56 – 0.64. The Harrison research chromatotron technique also gave good separation of the EAF sample. Preparative HPLC was used as the final purification step for most of the EAF samples. Although, a number of peaks were observed during isocratic-HPLC (IHPLC) runs, they were not as clearly separated as those obtained with gradient-HPLC (GHPLC). Three major peaks PI, PII and PIII with elution times of 3.56 min, 4.53 min and 23.06 min respectively were revealed under GHPLC runs with decreasing concentrations (100% – 50%) of methanol in water. Methanol concentrations between 50% and 70% in water were considered the optimum GHPLC mobile phases. Since these chromatographic methods were all time consuming, required large volumes of solvents, and resulted in low yields of the antibiotic, an alternative procedure producing better results was sought. This led to the development of a procedure combining a three-solvent extraction system with a pH precipitation process which efficiently recovered the antibiotic in solid/crystal form. Using this procedure, sufficient quantities of the antibiotic were recovered from the fermentation broth to permit a degree of structural elucidation. Two types of crystals (brown and pink-yellow in colour) were obtained and their chemical natures established by means of 1H- and GCOSY- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). On further LC-MS analysis, the brown crystals appeared to be a protein and since it did not show inhibitory activity against any of the test organisms, no further studies were carried out on it. The pink-yellow crystals when suspended in a minimal volume of methanol showed inhibitory activity against S. marcescens confirming that the antibiotic activity resided therein. The LC-MS spectrum of these crystals showed a prominent/base peak at 304.2724 [mass to charge ratio (m/z) in positive mode]. The elemental composition of this compound suggests a molecular formula close to C16H36N2O3 with a molar mass of 304.4686 g/mol. No existing name could be assigned to it from the database of known natural compounds. Hence, the possibility that it is a novel antimicrobial compound cannot be excluded. Characterisation of the antimicrobial substance using GC-MS revealed that it contained at least seven components (A – G). These components were then subjected to mass spectrum analysis and their retention indices compared to computer database listings of known compounds. Components A and B were regarded as representing one compound (possibly isomers) since they have the same molecular weight and formula. Their different retention indices strongly suggest they are indeed isomers. Thus a total of six different compounds were detected in the extract by GC-MS and the molecular formulae assigned to them include: C6H10O (A and B); C6H12O2 (C); C9H14O (D); C8H7N (E); C21H44 (F); and C12H14N2O (G). Since only low probability matches were obtained for A – F and as the sample could not be recovered from the analyser, they were not studied further. The closest match (71% probability) with substances listed in the computer database of natural compounds was for compound G (C12H14N2O) which was thus provisionally identified as N-acetyltryptamine. A structurally related compound known as melatonin is attributed with the ability to inhibit tumour growth in vivo and in vitro. Attempts were made to assign a chemical structure to the antibiotic produced by strain N8 using all the data available. The indications are that it is a tryptamine, the chemical structure of which is postulated to be: In order to monitor the antimicrobial activity of the antibiotic produced by strain N8, bioassays were conducted after all major steps during the isolation and characterization processes. The antimicrobial activity of the pink-yellow crystals was confirmed on the test organisms used during the primary screening phase, namely, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, and the yeast Candida utilis, indicating that the crude substance had maintained its inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the yeast tested. The study was extended to include investigations into the use of combinations of the GHPLC separated peaks of the antibiotic (PI, PII and PIII) to improve the efficacy of growth inhibition of the test pathogens for possible use in chemotherapy. Data from these studies showed that PI inhibited the growth of E. coli and X. campestris pv. campestris while PII and PIII inhibited the growth of the latter organism and also that of S. marcescens. Individually, the peaks showed no growth inhibition on Pseudomonas fluorescens but the combination PI+PII+PIII was antimicrobially effective. In all cases, the use of combinations was significantly more effective than the use of any single component alone. For example, the combination of GHPLC PI and PII had a greater growth inhibitory effect (synergic action) against Serratia marcescens than did either alone; the inhibition-zone diameter being double (30mm) that caused by the single peaks (15mm) against S. marcescens. Likewise mixing PI and PIII resulted in a much improved action against X. campestris pv. campestris. These findings may meet the current call by many scientists that all infectious diseases should be treated with a combination of two antibiotics with different mechanisms of action in order to counter the serious problem of emerging bacterial resistance. Since the antibiotic isolated during this study showed activity against both mammalian and plant pathogenic bacteria it is hoped that this work will encourage further investigation in this field in South Africa. The results obtained should impact on the pharmaceutical industry as well as agriculture and will, hopefully, help curb both plant and human infectious diseases in our African communities. This study also confirmed that KwaZulu-Natal soils do harbour rare actinomycetes that produce novel antimicrobial compounds. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Canterbury, 2008. / Typescript (photocopy). "January 2008." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 201-215). Also available via the World Wide Web.

As bactérias Gram-negativas das famílias Enterobacteriaceae e Pseudomonadaceae são os patógenos mais comumente isolados de infecções. Devido ao crescente aparecimento de micro-organismos resistentes aos antimicrobianos disponíveis para terapêutica, a busca de novos compostos tornou-se eminente, principalmente oriundos de fontes naturais cultiváveis. Os actinomicetos são uma das principais fontes de metabólitos secundários com atividade antibacteriana. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial do actinomiceto endofítico R18(6) em produzir metabólitos ativos contra bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. Para isto, utilizou-se o teste de dupla camada para avaliar a capacidade de produção de metabólitos ativos pelo actinomiceto. As condições de cultivo, como fontes de carbono, temperatura, pH, modo de incubação e tempo de incubação do isolado, sob cultura submersa, foram otimizadas. A atividade antimicrobiana do isolado foi avaliada a cada 24 horas durante 10 dias utilizando a técnica de difusão em poço, na qual foram medidos os halos de inibição. O actinomiceto mostrou melhor atividade contra as bactérias Gram-negativas testadas quando cultivado em meio base contendo glicose como fonte de carbono, pH ajustado para 6.5, incubação a 30ºC sob agitação constante durante 96 horas. No ensaio de concentração inibitória mínima do extrato bruto, esta variou entre 1/32 e 1/256, e mostrou atividade bactericida ou bacteriostática de acordo com o isolado Gram-negativo. O extrato ativo foi avaliado quando à sua estabilidade térmica e enzimática, o qual se apresentou estável a altas temperaturas e instável às enzimas proteolíticas. O extrato bruto foi submetido à extração com solventes e a acetona mostrou-se eficiente como solvente extrator. A micromorfologia do isolado foi observada em microscopia óptica e de varredura, nos quais apresentou características semelhantes ao gênero Streptomyces. O actinomiceto endofítico R18(6) mostrou ser uma nova fonte promissora para a produção de compostos ativos contra bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. / Gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadacea family are the most common pathogens isolated from infections. Due to the increase of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial agents available for treatment, the search for new compounds, mainly from natural and culturable sources, has become an important issue. The actinomycetes are a major source of secondary metabolites with antibacterial activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential production of active metabolites by the endophytic actinomycete R18(6) against Gram-negative bacteria multiresistant. For this, the double layer method was used to assess the ability of production of active metabolites by the isolate. Based on this assay the culture condition growth of the isolate in submerged culture was optimized. For that as carbon source, temperature, pH, incubation way and incubation time were tested looking for a better metabolite production. The antimicrobial activity of the isolate was evaluated every 24 hours for 10 days by the well diffusion assay, where the inhibition halo was measured. The actinomycete showed the best activity against Gram-negative bacteria when cultured in base medium supplemented with glucose, adjusted in pH 6,5, incubation temperature of 30ºC for 96 hours with agitation. In the microdilution assay the concentration of crude extract varied from 1/32 to 1/256, and it showed bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity according to Gram-negative tested isolate. The thermal and enzymatic stability of crude extract were evaluated, where it exhibited thermal stability in high temperature and it was unstable to proteolytic enzymes. The crude extract was subjected to solvent extraction and acetone was efficient as extractor solvent. The isolate showed similar characteristics of the genus Streptomyces when evaluated by optical and scanning microscopy. The endophytic actinomycete R18(6) showed to be a new and a promising source of active metabolites production against Gram-negative bacteria multidrug resistant.

O filo Actinobacteria é um importante grupo de bactérias Gram positivas amplamente distribuídas nos ambientes aquáticos e terrestres, são grandes produtores de compostos biologicamente ativos e, portanto, de grande interesse biotecnológico. O gênero Streptomyces destaca-se como maior produtor destes compostos, sendo responsável por cerca de 70% dos antibióticos que hoje utilizamos. A identificação dos organismos deste gênero ainda é um desafio. Durante muitos anos a identificação foi realizada somente com base em características morfológicas e fisiológicas. Atualmente, com o avanço das técnicas moleculares, há um grande número de espécies relatadas em bancos de dados genômicos. Este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar isolados de actinobactérias presentes no Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental ICBS/UFRGS com auxílio das técnicas de BOX-PCR, amplamente utilizado em estudos de diversidade dentro deste filo, e URP-PCR. E, além disso, realizar purificação parcial de um composto antimicrobiano efetivo contra bactérias produzido pelo isolado Streptomyces 8S. Os primers URP e BOX1AR produziram distintos padrões de amplificação nos isolados estudados, porém não foi possível investigar as relações de similaridade entre eles. Ainda o sequenciamento da região 16S rDNA não foi eficiente para identificar as espécies. Para a purificação do composto antimicrobiano foi realizada extração líquido-líquido com o solvente acetato de etila, posteriormente cromatografia de gel-filtração (Sephadex G-75) e troca iônica (SP-Sepharose e DEAE-celulose). A atividade antimicrobiana do composto foi recuperada após cada etapa. O composto manteve-se ativo após os ensaios de estabilidade frente à adição de EDTA, enzimas proteolíticas e altas temperaturas. Isto sugere que o composto antimicrobiano não é de origem protéica. Este trabalho sugere novos estudos a partir dos resultados preliminares obtidos, como a amplificação de todo o fragmento 16S rDNA dos isolados de actinobactérias e a investigação do composto antimicrobiano através de cromatografias de alta resolução. / The Actinobacteria phylum is an important group of Gram positive bacteria widely distributed in terrestrial and aquatic environments. They are major producers of biologically active compounds and therefore of great biotechnological interest. The genus Streptomyces stands out as the largest producer of these compounds, accounting for about 70% of the antibiotics that we use today. The identification of these organisms is still a challenge. For many years the identification was carried out only based on morphological and physiology characteristics. Today, with the advance of molecular techniques, there are a large number of species reported in genomics database. This work aims to identify isolates of actinobacterias present in the Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental ICBS / UFRGS with the help of BOX-PCR techniques, widely used in diversity studies within this phylum, and URP-PCR. And besides that, performing partial purification of an antimicrobial compound effective against bacteria produced by Streptomyces 8S isolated. The URP and BOX1AR primers produced different amplification patterns in the isolates, but it was not possible to investigate the relationship of similarity between them. Also the sequencing of 16S rDNA was not efficient to identify the species. To purify the antimicrobial compound was carried out liquid-liquid extraction with the solvent ethyl acetate, subsequently chromatography: gel-filtration (Sephadex G-75) and ion exchange (SP-Sepharose and DEAE-cellulose). The antimicrobial in question did not adhere to the SP-Sepharose column, showing that it has negative charge. The antimicrobial activity of the compound was recovered after each step. The compound remained active after the stability tests like the addition of EDTA, proteolytic enzymes and high temperatures. This suggests that the antimicrobial compound is not a protein. This work suggests further studies based on the obtained preliminary results such as the amplification of the entire 16S rDNA of actinobacterias isolated fragment and the investigation of the antimicrobial compound using high resolution chromatography.

As bactérias Gram-negativas das famílias Enterobacteriaceae e Pseudomonadaceae são os patógenos mais comumente isolados de infecções. Devido ao crescente aparecimento de micro-organismos resistentes aos antimicrobianos disponíveis para terapêutica, a busca de novos compostos tornou-se eminente, principalmente oriundos de fontes naturais cultiváveis. Os actinomicetos são uma das principais fontes de metabólitos secundários com atividade antibacteriana. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial do actinomiceto endofítico R18(6) em produzir metabólitos ativos contra bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. Para isto, utilizou-se o teste de dupla camada para avaliar a capacidade de produção de metabólitos ativos pelo actinomiceto. As condições de cultivo, como fontes de carbono, temperatura, pH, modo de incubação e tempo de incubação do isolado, sob cultura submersa, foram otimizadas. A atividade antimicrobiana do isolado foi avaliada a cada 24 horas durante 10 dias utilizando a técnica de difusão em poço, na qual foram medidos os halos de inibição. O actinomiceto mostrou melhor atividade contra as bactérias Gram-negativas testadas quando cultivado em meio base contendo glicose como fonte de carbono, pH ajustado para 6.5, incubação a 30ºC sob agitação constante durante 96 horas. No ensaio de concentração inibitória mínima do extrato bruto, esta variou entre 1/32 e 1/256, e mostrou atividade bactericida ou bacteriostática de acordo com o isolado Gram-negativo. O extrato ativo foi avaliado quando à sua estabilidade térmica e enzimática, o qual se apresentou estável a altas temperaturas e instável às enzimas proteolíticas. O extrato bruto foi submetido à extração com solventes e a acetona mostrou-se eficiente como solvente extrator. A micromorfologia do isolado foi observada em microscopia óptica e de varredura, nos quais apresentou características semelhantes ao gênero Streptomyces. O actinomiceto endofítico R18(6) mostrou ser uma nova fonte promissora para a produção de compostos ativos contra bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. / Gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadacea family are the most common pathogens isolated from infections. Due to the increase of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial agents available for treatment, the search for new compounds, mainly from natural and culturable sources, has become an important issue. The actinomycetes are a major source of secondary metabolites with antibacterial activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential production of active metabolites by the endophytic actinomycete R18(6) against Gram-negative bacteria multiresistant. For this, the double layer method was used to assess the ability of production of active metabolites by the isolate. Based on this assay the culture condition growth of the isolate in submerged culture was optimized. For that as carbon source, temperature, pH, incubation way and incubation time were tested looking for a better metabolite production. The antimicrobial activity of the isolate was evaluated every 24 hours for 10 days by the well diffusion assay, where the inhibition halo was measured. The actinomycete showed the best activity against Gram-negative bacteria when cultured in base medium supplemented with glucose, adjusted in pH 6,5, incubation temperature of 30ºC for 96 hours with agitation. In the microdilution assay the concentration of crude extract varied from 1/32 to 1/256, and it showed bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity according to Gram-negative tested isolate. The thermal and enzymatic stability of crude extract were evaluated, where it exhibited thermal stability in high temperature and it was unstable to proteolytic enzymes. The crude extract was subjected to solvent extraction and acetone was efficient as extractor solvent. The isolate showed similar characteristics of the genus Streptomyces when evaluated by optical and scanning microscopy. The endophytic actinomycete R18(6) showed to be a new and a promising source of active metabolites production against Gram-negative bacteria multidrug resistant.

Orientador: Wagner Vilegas / Banca: Vanderlan da Silva Bolzani / Banca: Hosana Maria Debonsi / Banca: Luis Octavio Regasini / Banca: Letícia Veras Costa Lotufo / Resumo: A fauna acompanhante da pesca do camarão inclui uma série de invertebrados marinhos que são descartados por não ter valor comercial. A fim de tentar acrescentar algum valor a este material, foi analisada a composição química da estrela-do-mar Luidia senegalensis coletada na costa brasileira como consequência da aplicação da pesca de arrasto. A fim de avaliar sua composição química, foi utilizada uma combinação de extração em fase sólida (SPE) seguida de cromatografia líquida de ultra eficiência acoplada a espectrômetro de massas equipado com fonte de ionização por eletrosptray e analisador ion-trap linear (UPLCESI- IT-MSn). Luidia senegalensis contém asterosaponinas, que são esteroides glicosilados sulfatados contendo cinco e seis unidades de açúcar, além de poliidroxiesteroides. Este estudo mostrou a presença de compostos importantes e potencialmente bioativos em invertebrados associados à fauna acompanhante da pesca do camarão, usando um método rápido e eficiente. Normalmente descartada, a fauna acompanhante contém muitos invertebrados que podem hospedar uma grande variedade de gêneros de bactérias, algumas das quais com potencial de produzir produtos naturais bioativos com aplicações biotecnológicas. Assim, para utilizar um material normalmente descartado, foi explorado o potencial biotecnológico de bactérias cultiváveis de duas espécies de invertebrados abundantes na fauna acompanhante, o gastrópode Olivancillaria urceus e a estrela-do-mar Luidia senegalen... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The by-catch fauna of the shrimp fishery includes a number of marine invertebrates that are discarded because they do not have commercial value. In order to try to add some value to these materials, we analyzed the chemical composition of the starfish Luidia senegalensis collected in the Brazilian coast as a consequence of the trawling fishery method. In order to access their chemical composition, we used a combination of solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-IT-MSn). Luidia senegalensis contains asterosaponins, which are sulphated glycosilated steroids, containing five and six sugar moieties, in addition to polyhydroxysteroids. This study helped us to support the presence of important and potentially bioactive compounds in invertebrates associated to the by-catch fauna of the shrimp fishery, using a fast and efficient method. Typically discarded, by-catch contains many invertebrates that may host a great variety of bacterial genera, some of which may produce bioactive natural products with biotechnological applications. Therefore, to utilize by-catch that is usually discarded we explored the biotechnological potential of culturable bacteria of two abundant by-catch invertebrate species, the snail Olivancillaria urceus and the sea star Luidia senegalensis. Sediment from the collection area was also investigated. Utilizing multiple isolation... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Os actinomicetos são bactérias Gram positivas caracterizadas por sua habilidade em formar hifas, são amplamente distribuídos no ambiente e conhecidos pela diversidade na produção de moléculas biologicamente ativas. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a atividade de compostos produzidos por quarenta isolados de actinomicetos contra isolados clínicos de Enterococcus sp, Staphylococcus aureus e Staphylococcus epidermidis. O perfil de suscetibilidade das amostras clínicas foi avaliado empregando a técnica de disco difusão em ágar. A atividade antimicrobiana dos actinomicetos foi avaliada pela técnica da dupla camada. Os isolados que apresentaram atividade foram cultivados em caldo amido caseína à temperatura de 30ºC por sete dias, com agitação constante. Após o crescimento, a cultura foi filtrada para obtenção do extrato bruto. A atividade antibiótica do extrato foi avaliada através da técnica de difusão em poço. O isolado que apresentou maior espectro de ação foi selecionado para otimização dos compostos. A otimização da produção dos compostos com atividade antibiótica foi realizada através da avaliação de curva de produção, variação da fonte de carbono, tempo de incubação, pH tamponado e pH não tamponado. No ensaio de sobrecamada os isolados 50 e 8S apresentaram atividade contra a 90% das amostras de microrganismos clínicos de Staphylococcus sp. e Enterococcus sp. No ensaio de difusão em poço o isolado 50 apresentou maior atividade antibiótica que o isolado 8S. Na otimização do extrato as melhores condições de produção foram: 72 h de crescimento, fonte de carbono amido e sem tamponamento de pH. Não foi observada influência de biomassa na produção dos compostos. A cromatografia em camada delgada revelou a presença de duas bandas com fator de retenção de 0,28 (Rf1) e 0,57 (Rf2). / Actinomycetes are Gram positive bacteria, characterized by their ability to form hyphae. They are widely distributed in the environment and known for their diversity in producing biological active molecules. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of compounds produced by forty isolates of Actinomycetes against clinical isolates of Enterococcus sp, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The susceptibility profile of the samples was evaluated using the disk diffusion technique in agar. The antimicrobial activity of actinomycetes was assessed by means of the double layer. Isolates that showed activity were grown in starch casein broth at a temperature of 30 ºC for seven days, with constant agitation. After growth the culture was filtered to obtain a crude extract. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was evaluated by the well diffusion technique. The actinomycete that showed activity against most of the test samples was selected for optimization(s) of the compound(s) production. The optimization of the production was performed by evaluating: growth curve, the use of different carbon source, changes in the incubation time, and culture media with buffered and unbuffered pH. In the overlay assay isolates 50 and 8S presented activity against most of Staphylococcus sp. and Enterococcus sp samples. In diffusion assay isolate 50 showed higher antibiotic activity than the isolated 8S. Compiling the results the best production conditions were: 72 h of growth, carbon source starch without pH buffering at 30°C. There was no effect of biomass (s) compound (s) activity. The thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of two bands with a retention factor of 0.28 (Rf1) and 0.57 (Rf2).

O filo Actinobacteria é um importante grupo de bactérias Gram positivas amplamente distribuídas nos ambientes aquáticos e terrestres, são grandes produtores de compostos biologicamente ativos e, portanto, de grande interesse biotecnológico. O gênero Streptomyces destaca-se como maior produtor destes compostos, sendo responsável por cerca de 70% dos antibióticos que hoje utilizamos. A identificação dos organismos deste gênero ainda é um desafio. Durante muitos anos a identificação foi realizada somente com base em características morfológicas e fisiológicas. Atualmente, com o avanço das técnicas moleculares, há um grande número de espécies relatadas em bancos de dados genômicos. Este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar isolados de actinobactérias presentes no Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental ICBS/UFRGS com auxílio das técnicas de BOX-PCR, amplamente utilizado em estudos de diversidade dentro deste filo, e URP-PCR. E, além disso, realizar purificação parcial de um composto antimicrobiano efetivo contra bactérias produzido pelo isolado Streptomyces 8S. Os primers URP e BOX1AR produziram distintos padrões de amplificação nos isolados estudados, porém não foi possível investigar as relações de similaridade entre eles. Ainda o sequenciamento da região 16S rDNA não foi eficiente para identificar as espécies. Para a purificação do composto antimicrobiano foi realizada extração líquido-líquido com o solvente acetato de etila, posteriormente cromatografia de gel-filtração (Sephadex G-75) e troca iônica (SP-Sepharose e DEAE-celulose). A atividade antimicrobiana do composto foi recuperada após cada etapa. O composto manteve-se ativo após os ensaios de estabilidade frente à adição de EDTA, enzimas proteolíticas e altas temperaturas. Isto sugere que o composto antimicrobiano não é de origem protéica. Este trabalho sugere novos estudos a partir dos resultados preliminares obtidos, como a amplificação de todo o fragmento 16S rDNA dos isolados de actinobactérias e a investigação do composto antimicrobiano através de cromatografias de alta resolução. / The Actinobacteria phylum is an important group of Gram positive bacteria widely distributed in terrestrial and aquatic environments. They are major producers of biologically active compounds and therefore of great biotechnological interest. The genus Streptomyces stands out as the largest producer of these compounds, accounting for about 70% of the antibiotics that we use today. The identification of these organisms is still a challenge. For many years the identification was carried out only based on morphological and physiology characteristics. Today, with the advance of molecular techniques, there are a large number of species reported in genomics database. This work aims to identify isolates of actinobacterias present in the Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental ICBS / UFRGS with the help of BOX-PCR techniques, widely used in diversity studies within this phylum, and URP-PCR. And besides that, performing partial purification of an antimicrobial compound effective against bacteria produced by Streptomyces 8S isolated. The URP and BOX1AR primers produced different amplification patterns in the isolates, but it was not possible to investigate the relationship of similarity between them. Also the sequencing of 16S rDNA was not efficient to identify the species. To purify the antimicrobial compound was carried out liquid-liquid extraction with the solvent ethyl acetate, subsequently chromatography: gel-filtration (Sephadex G-75) and ion exchange (SP-Sepharose and DEAE-cellulose). The antimicrobial in question did not adhere to the SP-Sepharose column, showing that it has negative charge. The antimicrobial activity of the compound was recovered after each step. The compound remained active after the stability tests like the addition of EDTA, proteolytic enzymes and high temperatures. This suggests that the antimicrobial compound is not a protein. This work suggests further studies based on the obtained preliminary results such as the amplification of the entire 16S rDNA of actinobacterias isolated fragment and the investigation of the antimicrobial compound using high resolution chromatography.

Manguezais são ecossistemas costeiros que ocorrem na transição entre os ambientes terrestres e marinhos, ao longo das regiões tropicais e subtropicais, sofrendo influência direta do regime das marés. A comunidade microbiana diversificada é fundamental para a ocorrência da ciclagem de nutrientes e, portanto, manutenção da biodiversidade faunística e florística nestes ambientes. As actinobactérias correspondem um grupo heterogêneo de bactérias filamentosas, que naturalmente habitam o solo, adaptam-se às diversas condições do ambiente, produzem antibióticos e são capazes de colonizar a rizosfera e tecidos internos das plantas. Neste trabalho foi possível observar a diversidade de actinobactérias rizosféricas isoladas nos manguezais de Cananéia e Bertioga SP; avaliar a produção de metabólitos secundários antifúngicos desses microrganismos; analisar o perfil químico dos extratos orgânicos das actinobactérias por espectrômetro de massas, seguidos de avaliação dos constituintes químicos desses extratos por cromatografia em camada delgada e coluna preparativa para separação dos mesmos, onde após os bioensaios com as frações ativas, foi determinado a concentração inibitória mínima dessas frações. / Mangroves are coastal ecosystems which occur in the areas of transition between marine and terrestrial environments throughout the tropical and subtropical regions, suffering direct tide influence. The diverse microbial communities are important to the nutrient cycling occurrence and consequently to the maintenance of these environments fauna and flora biodiversity. The Actinobacteria are a heterogeneous group of filamentous bacteria that naturally inhabit the soil. They can easily adapt to different environmental conditions, producing antibiotics and colonizing the rhizosphere and plants internal tissues. This study aims were: to allow the assessment of the diversity of the diversity of rhizosphere Actinobacteria isolated from mangroves located in Cananeia and Bertioga, cities under the jurisdiction of Sao Paulo State; to evaluate the production of antifungal secondary metabolites of these microorganisms; to analyze the chemical profile of organic extracts of Actionobacteria by mass spectrometry, followed by the evaluation of the chemical components of theses extracts through thin-layer chromatography and preparative column for their separation. After this process minimum inhibitory concentration of the active fractions of the bioassays were determined.

As bactérias Gram-negativas das famílias Enterobacteriaceae e Pseudomonadaceae são os patógenos mais comumente isolados de infecções. Devido ao crescente aparecimento de micro-organismos resistentes aos antimicrobianos disponíveis para terapêutica, a busca de novos compostos tornou-se eminente, principalmente oriundos de fontes naturais cultiváveis. Os actinomicetos são uma das principais fontes de metabólitos secundários com atividade antibacteriana. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial do actinomiceto endofítico R18(6) em produzir metabólitos ativos contra bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. Para isto, utilizou-se o teste de dupla camada para avaliar a capacidade de produção de metabólitos ativos pelo actinomiceto. As condições de cultivo, como fontes de carbono, temperatura, pH, modo de incubação e tempo de incubação do isolado, sob cultura submersa, foram otimizadas. A atividade antimicrobiana do isolado foi avaliada a cada 24 horas durante 10 dias utilizando a técnica de difusão em poço, na qual foram medidos os halos de inibição. O actinomiceto mostrou melhor atividade contra as bactérias Gram-negativas testadas quando cultivado em meio base contendo glicose como fonte de carbono, pH ajustado para 6.5, incubação a 30ºC sob agitação constante durante 96 horas. No ensaio de concentração inibitória mínima do extrato bruto, esta variou entre 1/32 e 1/256, e mostrou atividade bactericida ou bacteriostática de acordo com o isolado Gram-negativo. O extrato ativo foi avaliado quando à sua estabilidade térmica e enzimática, o qual se apresentou estável a altas temperaturas e instável às enzimas proteolíticas. O extrato bruto foi submetido à extração com solventes e a acetona mostrou-se eficiente como solvente extrator. A micromorfologia do isolado foi observada em microscopia óptica e de varredura, nos quais apresentou características semelhantes ao gênero Streptomyces. O actinomiceto endofítico R18(6) mostrou ser uma nova fonte promissora para a produção de compostos ativos contra bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. / Gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadacea family are the most common pathogens isolated from infections. Due to the increase of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial agents available for treatment, the search for new compounds, mainly from natural and culturable sources, has become an important issue. The actinomycetes are a major source of secondary metabolites with antibacterial activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential production of active metabolites by the endophytic actinomycete R18(6) against Gram-negative bacteria multiresistant. For this, the double layer method was used to assess the ability of production of active metabolites by the isolate. Based on this assay the culture condition growth of the isolate in submerged culture was optimized. For that as carbon source, temperature, pH, incubation way and incubation time were tested looking for a better metabolite production. The antimicrobial activity of the isolate was evaluated every 24 hours for 10 days by the well diffusion assay, where the inhibition halo was measured. The actinomycete showed the best activity against Gram-negative bacteria when cultured in base medium supplemented with glucose, adjusted in pH 6,5, incubation temperature of 30ºC for 96 hours with agitation. In the microdilution assay the concentration of crude extract varied from 1/32 to 1/256, and it showed bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity according to Gram-negative tested isolate. The thermal and enzymatic stability of crude extract were evaluated, where it exhibited thermal stability in high temperature and it was unstable to proteolytic enzymes. The crude extract was subjected to solvent extraction and acetone was efficient as extractor solvent. The isolate showed similar characteristics of the genus Streptomyces when evaluated by optical and scanning microscopy. The endophytic actinomycete R18(6) showed to be a new and a promising source of active metabolites production against Gram-negative bacteria multidrug resistant.